Rory McIlroy strays from Jack Nicklaus warning at Masters | Opinion

Rory McIlroy strays from Jack Nicklaus warning at Masters | Opinion

AUGUSTA, GA – Rory McIlroy finally strayed from Jack Nicklaus’ warning. He made a bleeping double bogey.

Let’s leave out the profanity of the Golden Bear’s pre-tournament quote to McIlroy and give you the sanitized version: Skip the big numbers. Avoid disasters.

Well, consider McIlroy’s third round a dance on the edge of disaster.

McIlroy’s lead is gone. All six strokes of it, erased.

The first man to ever lead the Masters by a half-doze strokes after 36 holes is now tied with Cameron Young atop the leaderboard at 11-under. Young teed off nearly an hour before McIlroy on this round, an indicator of how much ground he’d need to close. Consider the gap closed.

On a sunny 84-degree moving day when so many other golfers posted red, red and more red numbers, McIlroy wobbled. He’d looked unstoppable, inevitable, incredible through 36 holes, but the Masters isn’t big on invincibility.

By the time McIlroy had exited Amen Corner on moving day, his round had gone to hell.

If there was any solace, it's that it could've been worse.

Scottie Scheffler moves up the leaderboard during a strong moving day at the Masters Tournament.

These images follow Scheffler through the third round at Augusta National.

Above, Scottie Scheffler of the United States prepares to putt on the 15th green during the third round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 11, 2026, in Augusta, Georgia.

Scottie Scheffler of the United States plays a shot on the first hole during the third round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 11, 2026, in Augusta, Georgia.

Scottie Scheffler of the United States looks on from the 15th tee during the third round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 11, 2026, in Augusta, Georgia.

Scottie Scheffler lines up a putt on the 16th green during the third round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club.

Scottie Scheffler of the United States plays a shot on the fourth hole during the third round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 11, 2026, in Augusta, Georgia.

Scottie Scheffler of the United States walks to the 18th green during the third round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 11, 2026, in Augusta, Georgia.

Scottie Scheffler of the United States walks the 11th fairway during the third round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 11, 2026, in Augusta, Georgia.

Scottie Scheffler of the United States putts on the 17th green during the third round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 11, 2026, in Augusta, Georgia.

Scottie Scheffler of the United States hands the flag to his caddie Ted Scott on the 18th green during the third round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 11, 2026, in Augusta, Georgia.

Scottie Scheffler of the United States and his caddie Ted Scott walk on the 17th green during the third round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 11, 2026, in Augusta, Georgia.

Scottie Scheffler of the United States plays a shot on the first hole during the third round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 11, 2026, in Augusta, Georgia.

Scottie Scheffler of the United States reacts on the second green during the third round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 11, 2026, in Augusta, Georgia.

Scottie Scheffler of the United States walks the first fairway during the third round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 11, 2026, in Augusta, Georgia.

Scottie Scheffler of the United States hands a club to his caddie Ted Scott on the fourth hole during the third round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 11, 2026, in Augusta, Georgia.

Scottie Scheffler hits out of a bunker onto the 13th green during the third round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club.

Scottie Scheffler of the United States lines up a putt on the second green during the third round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 11, 2026, in Augusta, Georgia.

Scottie Scheffler of the United States pulls a club from his bag on the first hole during the third round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 11, 2026, in Augusta, Georgia.

Scottie Scheffler reacts on the 16th green during the third round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club.

Scottie Scheffler putts on the 15th green during the third round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club.

Scottie Scheffler reacts after a putt on the 17th green during the third round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club.

Scottie Scheffler of the United States reacts on the 16th green during the third round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 11, 2026, in Augusta, Georgia.

Scottie Scheffler of the United States and Ludvig Aberg of Sweden walk the 16th fairway during the third round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 11, 2026, in Augusta, Georgia.

Scottie Scheffler walks the third green during the third round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club.

Scottie Scheffler of the United States walks the fourth fairway during the third round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 11, 2026, in Augusta, Georgia.

Scottie Scheffler of the United States looks on from the first hole during the third round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 11, 2026, in Augusta, Georgia.

1 / 25

Track Scottie Scheffler’s climb up the Masters leaderboard on Day 3

Scottie Scheffler moves up the leaderboard during a strong moving day at the Masters Tournament.

These images follow Scheffler through the third round at Augusta National.

Above, Scottie Scheffler of the United States prepares to putt on the 15th green during the third round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 11, 2026, in Augusta, Georgia.

1 / 25

Track Scottie Scheffler’s climb up the Masters leaderboard on Day 3

Scottie Scheffler moves up the leaderboard during a strong moving day at the Masters Tournament.

These images follow Scheffler through the third round at Augusta National.

Above, Scottie Scheffler of the United States prepares to putt on the 15th green during the third round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 11, 2026, in Augusta, Georgia.

2 / 25

Track Scottie Scheffler’s climb up the Masters leaderboard on Day 3

Scottie Scheffler of the United States plays a shot on the first hole during the third round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 11, 2026, in Augusta, Georgia.

3 / 25

Track Scottie Scheffler’s climb up the Masters leaderboard on Day 3

Scottie Scheffler of the United States looks on from the 15th tee during the third round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 11, 2026, in Augusta, Georgia.

4 / 25

Track Scottie Scheffler’s climb up the Masters leaderboard on Day 3

Scottie Scheffler lines up a putt on the 16th green during the third round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club.

5 / 25

Track Scottie Scheffler’s climb up the Masters leaderboard on Day 3

Scottie Scheffler of the United States plays a shot on the fourth hole during the third round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 11, 2026, in Augusta, Georgia.

6 / 25

Track Scottie Scheffler’s climb up the Masters leaderboard on Day 3

Scottie Scheffler of the United States walks to the 18th green during the third round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 11, 2026, in Augusta, Georgia.

7 / 25

Track Scottie Scheffler’s climb up the Masters leaderboard on Day 3

Scottie Scheffler of the United States walks the 11th fairway during the third round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 11, 2026, in Augusta, Georgia.

8 / 25

Track Scottie Scheffler’s climb up the Masters leaderboard on Day 3

Scottie Scheffler of the United States putts on the 17th green during the third round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 11, 2026, in Augusta, Georgia.

9 / 25

Track Scottie Scheffler’s climb up the Masters leaderboard on Day 3

Scottie Scheffler of the United States hands the flag to his caddie Ted Scott on the 18th green during the third round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 11, 2026, in Augusta, Georgia.

10 / 25

Track Scottie Scheffler’s climb up the Masters leaderboard on Day 3

Scottie Scheffler of the United States and his caddie Ted Scott walk on the 17th green during the third round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 11, 2026, in Augusta, Georgia.

11 / 25

Track Scottie Scheffler’s climb up the Masters leaderboard on Day 3

Scottie Scheffler of the United States plays a shot on the first hole during the third round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 11, 2026, in Augusta, Georgia.

12 / 25

Track Scottie Scheffler’s climb up the Masters leaderboard on Day 3

Scottie Scheffler of the United States reacts on the second green during the third round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 11, 2026, in Augusta, Georgia.

13 / 25

Track Scottie Scheffler’s climb up the Masters leaderboard on Day 3

Scottie Scheffler of the United States walks the first fairway during the third round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 11, 2026, in Augusta, Georgia.

14 / 25

Track Scottie Scheffler’s climb up the Masters leaderboard on Day 3

Scottie Scheffler of the United States hands a club to his caddie Ted Scott on the fourth hole during the third round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 11, 2026, in Augusta, Georgia.

15 / 25

Track Scottie Scheffler’s climb up the Masters leaderboard on Day 3

Scottie Scheffler hits out of a bunker onto the 13th green during the third round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club.

16 / 25

Track Scottie Scheffler’s climb up the Masters leaderboard on Day 3

Scottie Scheffler of the United States lines up a putt on the second green during the third round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 11, 2026, in Augusta, Georgia.

17 / 25

Track Scottie Scheffler’s climb up the Masters leaderboard on Day 3

Scottie Scheffler of the United States pulls a club from his bag on the first hole during the third round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 11, 2026, in Augusta, Georgia.

18 / 25

Track Scottie Scheffler’s climb up the Masters leaderboard on Day 3

Scottie Scheffler reacts on the 16th green during the third round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club.

19 / 25

Track Scottie Scheffler’s climb up the Masters leaderboard on Day 3

Scottie Scheffler putts on the 15th green during the third round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club.

20 / 25

Track Scottie Scheffler’s climb up the Masters leaderboard on Day 3

Scottie Scheffler reacts after a putt on the 17th green during the third round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club.

21 / 25

Track Scottie Scheffler’s climb up the Masters leaderboard on Day 3

Scottie Scheffler of the United States reacts on the 16th green during the third round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 11, 2026, in Augusta, Georgia.

22 / 25

Track Scottie Scheffler’s climb up the Masters leaderboard on Day 3

Scottie Scheffler of the United States and Ludvig Aberg of Sweden walk the 16th fairway during the third round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 11, 2026, in Augusta, Georgia.

23 / 25

Track Scottie Scheffler’s climb up the Masters leaderboard on Day 3

Scottie Scheffler walks the third green during the third round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club.

24 / 25

Track Scottie Scheffler’s climb up the Masters leaderboard on Day 3

Scottie Scheffler of the United States walks the fourth fairway during the third round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 11, 2026, in Augusta, Georgia.

25 / 25

Track Scottie Scheffler’s climb up the Masters leaderboard on Day 3

Scottie Scheffler of the United States looks on from the first hole during the third round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 11, 2026, in Augusta, Georgia.

Amen Corner gives Rory McIlroy trouble at Masters in Round 3

Let’s breeze past McIlroy’s unremarkable but manageable front nine and zip straight to the danger zone.

McIlroy put his second shot in the water at the par-4 11th, lipped out his fifth shot, and after he finally tapped in for double-bogey six, he turned to look at the leaderboard.

It still showed his name at the top. Not for much longer.

Up ahead, Young drained a 27-footer on the 16th, and McIlroy missed the green on No. 12 and took bogey.

As McIlroy walked to the tee box at Azalea, the final leg of Amen Corner, Young had become the Masters leader.

Remarkable, though not unbelievable.

If we thought this tournament was over after McIlroy set a 36-hole Masters record by establishing a six-stroke lead, we’d forgotten Augusta National’s history for humbling good golfers who enjoyed early leads and ignored Rory’s own history of weekend gaffes here.

As McIlroy’s tee shot on No. 13 sailed toward the pine straw, he asked the golf gods to allow him to “get lucky.”

His plea fell on deaf ears.

Cameron Young turns up heat on Rory McIlroy

Young got the luck on this day. Mostly, he just played great golf. Eight birdies filled his card.

If you watched Young’s first nine holes at the Masters, you could be forgiven for thinking he’d miss the cut. He had 40 strokes on the card at the turn on Thursday.

Just how rough was it?

Well, consider Young trailed his teenage playing partner, amateur Mason Howell, by one stroke after those first nine holes. Young got better on his second nine, he got good on his second round, and he became the best player on the course in Round 3.

Young had a prime view of McIlroy’s best work here. Young, McIlroy and Howell played together the first two rounds. Young said he wouldn’t have been surprised if McIlroy posted a 65 in this round and clinched his second green jacket.

No 65 came for either Young or McIlroy.

Young went 64. McIlroy went 73.

Now, we have Sunday drama.

“If he does open the door, you have to take advantage,” Young said on CBS.

Scottie Scheffler applies heat, too

Skinny numbers filled scorecards all throughout the leaderboard.

The sun baked the patrons, and SPF 30 was about 20 SPF too few.

One golfer near the top of the leaderboard, Haotong Li, said the greens “almost died” in the heat, but the conditions were still quite favorable to good scores.

Scottie Scheffler got in at 6-under. So did Patrick Cantlay. Young needed one stroke fewer. If not for a water-ball on No. 15, Young could have tied a course record.

That’s what made McIlroy’s 73 so glaring.

It’s not that 73 is a devastating number. Let’s not pretend this was the same as Greg Norman’s meltdown in ’96. But, 73 became a tenuous score on a day when several of the world’s top golfers filled their scorecards with 2s and 3s.

If a golfer were to give McIlroy fresh advice before the final round, it might sound like this: Straighten out the driver. Create more chances for birdies.

Blake Toppmeyer is a columnist for the USA TODAY Network. Email him at BToppmeyer@gannett.com and follow him on X @btoppmeyer.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Rory McIlroy flirts with Masters disaster as Cameron Young heats up